Nicholas Lyndhurst
Updated: 12/20/2025, 11:57:50 AM Wikipedia source
Nicholas Simon Lyndhurst (born 20 April 1961) is an English actor who began his career as a child actor. He is best known for his role as Rodney Trotter in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003). Lyndhurst had major roles in other sitcoms, including as Raymond Fletcher in Going Straight (1978), as Adam Parkinson in Butterflies (1978–1983), as Ashley Phillips in The Two of Us (1986–1990), as Peter "Piglet" Chapman in The Piglet Files (1987) Three up, Two down series three episode Life and Death (1990–1992), as Gary Sparrow in Goodnight Sweetheart (1993–1999, 2016), and as Jimmy Venables in After You've Gone (2007–2008). He starred as Freddie Robdal in the comedy-drama series Rock & Chips (2010–2011) and co-starred as Danny Griffin in the police procedural series New Tricks (2013–2015). He portrayed Professor Alan Cornwall in the revival of the American sitcom Frasier (2023–2024). Lyndhurst won two National Television Awards for his role in Goodnight Sweetheart, as well as being nominated for a British Comedy Award and three British Academy Television Awards for his role in Only Fools and Horses.
Infobox
Born
(1961-04-20) 20 April 1961 (age 64)Emsworth, Hampshire, England
Other names
Nick Lyndhurst
Alma mater
Corona Theatre School
Occupation
Actor
Years active
1973–present
Known for
Role of Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003)
Television
mw- Going Straight (1978) Butterflies (1978–1983) The Two of Us (1986–1990) The Piglet Files (1990–1992) Goodnight Sweetheart (1993–1999, 2016) After You've Gone (2007–2008) Rock & Chips (2010–2011) New Tricks (2013–2015) Frasier (2023–2024)
Spouse
mw- Lucy Smith (m. 1999)
Children
Archie Lyndhurst
Relatives
Francis Lyndhurst (paternal grandfather)
Tables
· Filmography › Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1973 | Bequest to the Nation | Shot Cabin Boy | Uncredited |
| 1983 | Bullshot | Nobby Clark | |
| 1986 | Sky Bandits | Chalky | |
| 2005 | Lassie | Buckle | |
| 2016 | A United Kingdom | George Williams |
· Filmography › Television
1974
Heidi
Role(s)
Peter
Notes
4 episodes
1976
The Prince and the Pauper
Role(s)
Edward Prince of Wales, Tom Canty
Notes
6 episodes
1978
1978–1983
Role(s)
Butterflies
Notes
Adam Parkinson
1979
Father's Day
Role(s)
Philip Rice-Davies
Notes
Television film
Two People
Role(s)
Matthew
Notes
2 episodes
1980
Notes
Episode: "Episode #18.2"
1981
1981–1996, 2001–2003
Role(s)
Only Fools and Horses
Notes
Rodney Trotter
1982
Only Fools and Horses: Christmas Trees
Role(s)
Rodney Trotter
Notes
Short film
1983
It'll All Be Over in Half an Hour
Role(s)
Various
Notes
3 episodes
Michael Barrymore
Notes
1 episode
1984
Only Fools and Horses: License to Drill
Role(s)
Rodney Trotter
Notes
Video
Slimming Down
Role(s)
Sebastian
Notes
Television film
Haunted
Role(s)
Jack (voice)
Notes
Video
Round and Round
Role(s)
Patrick
Notes
Episode: "Sex"
Haunted: Tales of the Supernatural
Role(s)
Jack
Notes
Podcast series, Episode: "Channel Crossing"
1984–1985
Role(s)
The Lenny Henry Show
Notes
Various
1986
Only Fools and Horses: Royal Variety Show
Role(s)
Rodney Trotter
Notes
Television film
1986–1990
Role(s)
The Two of Us
Notes
Ashley Phillips
1990
Only Fools and Horses: The Robin Flies at Dawn
Role(s)
Rodney Trotter
Notes
Short film
1990–1992
Role(s)
The Piglet Files
Notes
Peter Chapman
1993
Stalag Luft
Role(s)
'Chump' Cosgrove
Notes
Television film
1993–1999, 2016
Role(s)
Goodnight Sweetheart
Notes
Gary Sparrow, Colonel Henri Dupont
1997
Only Fools and Horses: Only Fools Cutaway
Role(s)
Rodney Trotter
Notes
Short film
The English Programme
Role(s)
Clustril
Notes
2 episodes
2000
Butterflies Reunion Special
Role(s)
Adam Parkinson
Notes
Short film
2002
The Life and Times of Aly Martin-Smith
Role(s)
Aly Martin-Smith
Notes
Television film
2006
Role(s)
Cruella de Vil's Chauffeur (The 101 Dalmatians)
Notes
Television special
2007–2008
Role(s)
After You've Gone
Notes
Jimmy Venables
2008
After You've Gone: Deleted Scenes
Role(s)
Jimmy Venables
Notes
Video
After You've Gone: Outtakes
Role(s)
Jimmy Venables
Notes
Uncredited
2010–2011
Role(s)
Rock & Chips
Notes
Freddie Robdal
2013–2015
Role(s)
New Tricks
Notes
Danny Griffin
2014
Only Fools and Horses: Beckham in Peckham
Role(s)
Rodney Trotter
Notes
Short film
2019
2023–2024
Role(s)
Frasier
Notes
Alan Cornwall
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1974 | Heidi | Peter | 4 episodes |
| 1975 | Anne of Avonlea | Davy Keith | 6 episodes |
| 1976 | The Prince and the Pauper | Edward Prince of Wales, Tom Canty | 6 episodes |
| 1976 | Peter Pan | Tootles | Television film, credited as; Nicky Lyndhurst |
| 1978 | Going Straight | Raymond Fletcher | 4 episodes |
| 1978 | The Tomorrow People | Karl Brandt | 2 episodes |
| 1978 | Playhouse | Westbrook | Episode: "Losing Her" |
| 1978 | Play of the Week | Brian Grant | Episode: "Fairies" |
| 1978–1983 | Butterflies | Adam Parkinson | 28 episodes |
| 1979 | Father's Day | Philip Rice-Davies | Television film |
| 1979 | Two People | Matthew | 2 episodes |
| 1980 | The Dick Emery Show | Episode: "Episode " | |
| 1980 | To Serve Them All My Days | Dobson | 4 episodes |
| 1981 | Spearhead | Private Wilson | 4 episodes |
| 1981–1996, 2001–2003 | Only Fools and Horses | Rodney Trotter | 64 episodes |
| 1982 | Arena | Dennis | Episode: "A Genius Like US: A Portrait of Joe Orton" |
| 1982 | Play for Today | Policeman | Episode: "A Mother Like Him" |
| 1982 | Only Fools and Horses: Christmas Trees | Rodney Trotter | Short film |
| 1982 | The Funny Side of Christmas | Rodney Trotter, Adam Parkinson | Television film |
| 1983 | It'll All Be Over in Half an Hour | Various | 3 episodes |
| 1983 | Michael Barrymore | 1 episode | |
| 1984 | Only Fools and Horses: License to Drill | Rodney Trotter | Video |
| 1984 | Slimming Down | Sebastian | Television film |
| 1984 | Haunted | Jack (voice) | Video |
| 1984 | Round and Round | Patrick | Episode: "Sex" |
| 1984 | Haunted: Tales of the Supernatural | Jack | Podcast series, Episode: "Channel Crossing" |
| 1984–1985 | The Lenny Henry Show | Various | 3 episodes, credited as; Nick Lyndhurst |
| 1986 | Only Fools and Horses: Royal Variety Show | Rodney Trotter | Television film |
| 1986–1990 | The Two of Us | Ashley Phillips | 32 episodes |
| 1990 | Only Fools and Horses: The Robin Flies at Dawn | Rodney Trotter | Short film |
| 1990–1992 | The Piglet Files | Peter Chapman | 19 episodes |
| 1993 | Stalag Luft | 'Chump' Cosgrove | Television film |
| 1993–1999, 2016 | Goodnight Sweetheart | Gary Sparrow, Colonel Henri Dupont | 59 episodes |
| 1996 | Gulliver's Travels | Clustril | Episode: "Episode " |
| 1997 | Only Fools and Horses: Only Fools Cutaway | Rodney Trotter | Short film |
| 1997 | The English Programme | Clustril | 2 episodes |
| 1999 | David Copperfield | Uriah Heep | 2 episodes |
| 2000 | Butterflies Reunion Special | Adam Parkinson | Short film |
| 2000 | Thin Ice | Graham Moss | Television film |
| 2002 | The Life and Times of Aly Martin-Smith | Aly Martin-Smith | Television film |
| 2003 | Murder in Mind | Alan Willis | Episode: "Landlord" |
| 2006 | The Children's Party at the Palace | Cruella de Vil's Chauffeur (The 101 Dalmatians) | Television special |
| 2007–2008 | After You've Gone | Jimmy Venables | 25 episodes |
| 2008 | After You've Gone: Deleted Scenes | Jimmy Venables | Video |
| 2008 | After You've Gone: Outtakes | Jimmy Venables | Uncredited |
| 2010–2011 | Rock & Chips | Freddie Robdal | 3 episodes |
| 2013–2015 | New Tricks | Danny Griffin | 26 episodes |
| 2014 | Only Fools and Horses: Beckham in Peckham | Rodney Trotter | Short film |
| 2019 | So Awkward | Johnny | Episode: "Awardatarian" |
· Filmography › Radio
1976
Thirty-Minute Theatre: Open Day
Role(s)
John Burns
Notes
BBC Radio 4
1999
Only Fools and Horses
Role(s)
Rodney Trotter
Notes
BBC Radio 4
2011
Richard Bacon
Role(s)
Himself
Notes
BBC Radio 5 Live
2012
2013
Haunted
Role(s)
Jack
Notes
BBC Radio 4 Extra
2017
Graham Norton
Role(s)
Himself
Notes
BBC Radio 2
2019
The Michael Ball Show
Role(s)
Himself
Notes
BBC Radio 2
2023
Liza Tarbuck
Role(s)
Himself
Notes
BBC Radio 2
Jo Whiley
Role(s)
Himself
Notes
BBC Radio 2
| Year | Title | Role | Station | Notes |
| 1974–1975 | Drama Now: Stones | BBC Radio 3 | 2 episodes | |
| 1976 | Thirty-Minute Theatre: Open Day | John Burns | BBC Radio 4 | 1 episode |
| 1986 | The Afternoon Play | Narrator | BBC Radio 4 | 1 episode |
| 1999 | Only Fools and Horses | Rodney Trotter | BBC Radio 4 | 4 episodes |
| 2007 | Parkinson's Sunday Supplement | BBC Radio 2 | 1 episode | |
| 2008–2009 | Original Shorts | Reader | BBC Radio 4 | 3 episodes |
| 2010 | Steve Wright in the Afternoon | Himself | BBC Radio 2 | 1 episode |
| 2011 | Richard Bacon | Himself | BBC Radio 5 Live | 1 episode |
| 2012 | Saturday Drama | Sergeant Hanley | BBC Radio 4 | 1 episode |
| 2012 | My First Planet | Brian | BBC Radio 4 | 11 episodes |
| 2013 | Haunted | Jack | BBC Radio 4 Extra | 1 episode |
| 2017 | Graham Norton | Himself | BBC Radio 2 | 1 episode |
| 2019 | The Michael Ball Show | Himself | BBC Radio 2 | 1 episode |
| 2023 | Liza Tarbuck | Himself | BBC Radio 2 | 1 episode |
| 2023 | Jo Whiley | Himself | BBC Radio 2 | 1 episode |
· Filmography › As himself
1977
Our Show
Role(s)
7 episodes; Presenter
1984
The Saturday Picture Show
Role(s)
Episode: "Episode #1.19"
Role(s)
1 episode
1984–1985
Role(s)
Blankety Blank
Notes
2 episodes
1988
Aspel & Company
Role(s)
Episode: "Episode 5.4"
1988, 1991, 1997
Role(s)
Comic Relief
Notes
3 episodes
2002
The Story of 'Only Fools and Horses...'
2011
The Comedy Genius of John Sullivan
2017
David Jason: My Life on Screen
Role(s)
Episode: "Episode #1.2"
The Story of... Only Fools and Horses....
Role(s)
6 episodes
2023
Frasier Inside the Series
Role(s)
Interviewee
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1977 | Our Show | 7 episodes; Presenter |
| 1978 | The Saturday Banana | Presenter |
| 1981 | Give Us a Clue | Episode: "Episode " |
| 1982 | The Kenny Everett Television Show | Episode: "Episode " |
| 1982 | Head for Business | |
| 1984 | The Saturday Picture Show | Episode: "Episode " |
| 1984 | Children in Need | 1 episode |
| 1984–1985 | Blankety Blank | 2 episodes |
| 1985 | Saturday Superstore | Episode: "Episode " |
| 1987 | The Grand Knockout Tournament | 1 episode |
| 1988 | Aspel & Company | Episode: "Episode 5.4" |
| 1988, 1991, 1997 | Comic Relief | 3 episodes |
| 1992 | Wogan | Episode: "Episode " |
| 1992, 2000 | Auntie's Bloomers | 2 episodes |
| 1996 | National Television Awards | |
| 2002 | The Story of 'Only Fools and Horses...' | |
| 2004 | Britain's Best Sitcom | 2 episodes |
| 2004 | Richard & Judy | 1 episode |
| 2005 | Parkinson | 1 episode |
| 2007 | This Morning | 1 episode |
| 2010 | The One Show | 1 episode |
| 2011 | The Comedy Genius of John Sullivan | |
| 2017 | David Jason: My Life on Screen | Episode: "Episode " |
| 2017 | The Story of... Only Fools and Horses.... | 6 episodes |
| 2023 | Frasier Inside the Series | Interviewee |
· Awards and nominations
1987
Role(s)
BAFTA Best Light Entertainment Performance
Notes
Only Fools and Horses
1991
Nominated
1997
| Year | Group | Award | Work | Result |
| 1987 | British Academy Television Awards | BAFTA Best Light Entertainment Performance | Only Fools and Horses | Nominated |
| 1991 | Nominated | |||
| 1997 | BAFTA Best Comedy Performance | Only Fools and Horses (Christmas Special) | Nominated | |
| British Comedy Awards | Best TV Comedy Actor | Nominated | ||
| National Television Awards | Most Popular Comedy Performer 1997 | Only Fools and Horses | Nominated | |
| 1998 | Most Popular Comedy Performer 1998 | Goodnight Sweetheart | Won | |
| 1999 | Most Popular Comedy Performer 1999 | Won |
References
- gov.ukhttps://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/rbEo-9wNSVin5RL84u2QswQr0wc/appointments
- gov.ukhttps://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/UFH2M28enS3Z76YowKxtBXJewY8/appointments
- TV Insiderhttps://www.tvinsider.com/people/nicholas-lyndhurst/
- The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/aug/21/nicholas-lyndhurst-my-family-values
- Hampshire Livehttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/hampshire-news/nicholas-lyndhursts-quiet-life-childhood-7523874.amp
- Shoreham Forthttps://www.shorehamfort.co.uk/past/film-studio/
- Sussex Livehttps://www.sussexlive.co.uk/news/sussex-news/west-wittering-west-sussex-village-5942309.amp
- BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-21410156
- Evening Standardhttps://web.archive.org/web/20130118044822/http://www.standard.co.uk/arts/music/baywatch-babe-turns-club-queen-6308575.html
- BFI Screen Onlinehttp://www.screenonline.org.uk/people/id/1221018/
- Spirit FMhttps://web.archive.org/web/20180920161109/https://www.spiritfm.net/news/sussex-news/2218634/watch-10-things-you-might-not-know-about-nicholas-lyndhurst/
- BBChttps://web.archive.org/web/20230406142745/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/6c6b64ca712943b5bcfdeeca9a3e985d
- The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10252691/Nicholas-Lyndhurst-The-golden-age-of-television-is-over.html
- HELLO!https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/20210611115156/david-jason-talks-reunion-with-nicholas-lyndhurst/
- British Comedy Guidehttps://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/top/
- BBC Onlinehttps://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/onlyfools/christmas/2003.shtml
- BBChttps://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/goodnight-sweetheart
- Radio Timeshttps://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-08-19/nicholas-lyndhurst-only-fools-and-horses-would-never-be-made-today/
- The Independenthttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/nicholas-lyndhurst-i-wanted-to-be-an-actor-from-the-age-of-eight-2343063.html
- BBChttps://archive.today/20130419175550/http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2012/new-tricks-nl.html
- BBChttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1dps4T0v297W5Rm61z1gPtg/nicholas-lyndhurst-everything-is-a-game-of-chess-for-him
- WhatsOnStagehttps://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/nicholas-lyndhurst-joins-cast-of-enos-carousel_42693.html/
- London Theatrehttps://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/nicholas-lyndhurst
- British Comedy Guidehttps://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/so_awkward/press/
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2023/tv/news/frasier-sequel-series-paramount-plus-cast-nicholas-lyndhurst-1235488911/
- gov.ukhttps://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/tuNEO4Lw_Gml6ojQkA94URgnOls/appointments
- gov.ukhttps://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/y8_vwLtIyyj5weL-dBIt94L7BhE/appointments
- The Independenthttps://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/features/nicholas-lyndhurst-glum-blond-533327.html
- The Argushttps://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5167415.tv-stars-village-wedding/
- BBC Newshttps://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/438392.stm
- Ancestry UKhttps://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/categories/34/?name=_Lyndhurst&location=3257.3250&mother=_Smith&mother_x=_1&name_x=_1&priority=united-kingdom
- gov.ukhttps://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/uIZM3KSysle-hAEnNXu07mYQE7E/appointments
- Metrohttps://metro.co.uk/2020/10/04/archie-lyndhurst-girlfriend-20th-birthday-tribute-after-cbbc-star-death-13368496/
- Metrohttps://metro.co.uk/2021/10/05/archie-lyndhursts-mum-lucy-pays-tribute-to-late-son-on-21st-birthday-15366261/
- BBChttps://web.archive.org/web/20230514134539/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/b05whg5z
- BBChttps://web.archive.org/web/20230528032505/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/m000m1yc
- BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-55689248
- Peoplehttps://people.com/tv/archie-lyndhurst-cause-of-death-revealed/
- BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-54365778
- Peoplehttps://people.com/tv/archie-lyndhurst-dead-at-19/
- Surrey Livehttps://www.hampshirelive.news/news/hampshire-news/inquest-death-cbbc-star-archie-4889802.amp
- ITVXhttps://www.itv.com/news/2020-10-01/nicholas-lyndhurst-says-he-is-utterly-grief-stricken-following-his-sons-death
- Sussex Livehttps://www.sussexlive.co.uk/news/sussex-news/only-fools-horses-nicholas-lyndhurst-7440285.amp
- Belfast Telegraphhttps://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/lyndhurst-i-said-no-to-diving-show/29542260.html
- BBChttps://web.archive.org/web/20241217133019/https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/0/20?order=first&q=Nicholas+Lyndhurst
- IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0528525/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
- Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/nicholas_lyndhurst
- TV Guidehttps://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/nicholas-lyndhurst/credits/3030236588/
- IMDbhttps://m.imdb.com/name/nm0528525/awards/?ref_=nm_awd
- BAFTAhttps://www.bafta.org/awards
- National Television Awardshttps://www.nationaltvawards.com/winners